dag1369

Hello all,

I am finally going to get my new; and first, road bike tomorrow and I was wondering what else I should grab while I'm at it. Here is my shopping list;

- Wireless bike computer (What features do you recommend for road riding)
- Pedals (Plan on using SPD since I will continue to use my MTB shoes)
- Saddle bag
- Spare tube
- Multi-tool
- CO2 cartridges x 2

This is what I carry on my MTB. Is there anything else you would suggest?

P.S. Yes, I know the rules and as soon as I get my new ride home I will post a picture of it in front of my WHITE garage door.

TMonk

-Patch Kit
-Tiny pump for emergencies (>2 flats)

Also, I would try to find a multi tool with a chain tool. I would have never thought of this myself until I broke a chain coming home recently. Fortunately I was <1 mi. away from home but it still taught me a lesson.

ptle

Spare tube or patch kit. CO2 tool.
Water bottle and cages.
I'd spring for wireless on the computer. Cadence is a plus, but not needed. Altimeter is the same. All you really need is speed, average speed, distance, and time. I like Cateye computers.
Oh bibs/jersey if you don't have any.

dag1369

I forgot about the extra water bottle/cage; good call. I already have jersey's but have never used bibs; I will do a quick search on here to see what to look for.

kimconyc

...

chasmm

If you're looking for a saddlebag, you might want to check out this thread...

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ddle-bag(tips-)

mkadam68

Get your CO2 at Wal-Mart: box of 12 for $9. Can't be beat. Of course, you'll also need a CO2 inflator. I use this one because it handles the 12g threadless cartridges I get at Wal-Mart.

You'll also need tire irons (although not made of iron, anymore).

Jersey w/pockets on the back for carrying things (like keys, food, maps, etc...)

dag1369

Thank you. Good thread.

Thank you for the advice on buying in bulk from Wal-Mart. I have some jerseys with pockets but all I have ever carried in them are plastic water bottles. The cell phone or keys don't bother you while riding?

mkadam68

I absolutely hate carrying stuff in my back pockets. But, necessary evil. I occasionally leave keys at home if I can. Or, put 'em in the saddlebag. Cell phone: always carry, just in case.

grymg

Here's my take:
- cycling jersey with 3 pockets or saddle bag to carry all this stuff I am going to list!!
- pump or CO2. try them both, people tend to like one or the other.
- TWO CO2 cartridges (extra one in case the first fizzles out when you attach it). I put one in the chamber, another in my pocket
- For CO2, personally I use 16g cartridges instead of 12g. It assures I can get to the tire pressure I need.
- allen wrenches, short 3" long version hex wrenches (with ratcheting on one end), tire levers. It helps to have experience building up the bike to know which type of tools you need.
- rubber gloves when fixing flats so your hands don't get greasy. These are light and easy to carry.
- spare tube (x2 for longer rides)
- money clip so you don't have to carry your whole wallet around. just your house key, ID, $20 bill and medical card should cut it for your typical ride
- SPD cleat covers from kool kovers, I use them whenever I get off the bike. It saves my cleat from wearing down and also the rubber grip helps me walk
- cycling sunglasses, and if you take them off mid ride you just insert the arms into your helmet like the pros do so it doesn't get scratched. works well.
- athletic sweat wicking socks, the Walmart starter brand ones work well
- BPA free water bottles. Insulated ones work well at keeping drinks cold. Camelbak Podium Ice bottles work well. I have 4 - two ready to use and two in the sink.

- for iffy weather conditions I like to bring arm warmers and roll them up in a pocket just in case. Same for a packable raincoat.
- for colder conditions might want to invest in a thermal jersey, bibtights, long finger gloves, and shoe covers.

chasmm

I use the Garmin Edge 500. I've been pretty happy with it. It can show up to 24 different data fields on 3 screens (max 8 fields/screen). Be warned however that there is currently a bug that causes it to sometimes freeze if you press the LAP button, and loading courses on it is a bit iffy sometimes.

Garmin has said that they are aware of the issues and are working on a fix.

Even with the bugs, it's an amazing piece of hardware. If you decide to go that route, I'd avoid buying the complete kit (computer, cadence/speed sensor, and heart rate monitor). Instead if you shop carefully, you can buy the three pieces separately and save anywhere from $30-$50.

Charles

spry

Swear or snarl at anyone near you.It's all about showmanship and colorfull jerseys.

midgetmaestro 

Cover your keys or put them in the middle of your wallet - a key into the back if you crashed would not be cool......

Uni-Vibe

Compact 9mm or snubbie .38, to take care of any road exigencies.

Nachoman

i-pod and head phones.

dag1369

I have been looking at this one and am also considering the Bontrager Node 2 Digital Computer with the DuoTrap Digital Speed/Cadence Sensor. I am getting a Trek Madone 4.7 and it has a slot for the Duotrap sensor. The Node 2 comes with the HR strap. I am just reading through the forum to see what has been said of each. So far not much on the Node 2 and plenty on the Garmin's. I will keep looking on BF.

dag1369

So here is the run down of what I picked up;

- Bontrager Node 2 computer
- Bontrager Duotrap Digital Sensor
- Saddle bag with inflator/patch kit
- Shimano PD-M540 SPD pedals (Silver)
- Spare tube x 2
- Bontrager Race Lite waterbottle cage x 2
- Camelbak Waterbottle
- Multitool

Still need:
- Frame pump (Do you guys get the ones that bolt under the water bottle cage?)
- Riding shorts or bibs (Will need to try out a few since I have never used)

TomT74

Topeak Road Morph frame pump, FTW. Realtively small, but works like a floor pump with the hose and footpeg. it will go to 120 psi no problem, and it has an inline gauge.

AndyK

I love Velox rubber bar plugs, they really finish off a good handlebar taping!

RoboCheme

Tire irons

wheelgrabber

Skip the pump, CO2 is fine.

SRAM Powerlink no matter which brand of chain you own. Once the chain breaks, you will have to throw away a complete link(not good). 10 speed chains are not forgiving when they break. You will realize that those nifty Shimano pins are not so nifty on the side of the road with a crappy chain tool and your teeth to break the pin off. Keep the Powerlink in its cardboard holder so it doesn't fall out of the bag.

Red rear flicker light for riding at dusk or nite. The Blackburn ones are nice and cost about $10. Make sure your bag has a little piece of webbing for hanging the blinker.

The Alien is one of the best multi tools and has a very good chain tool.

I usually keep a $20 bill in there permanently. It's good for temp patch of your tire. You also have plenty of cash to buy dinner or a few beers when everything goes to hell. I often forget to throw my coffee money in my jersey.

StephenT 

All previous posts provide excellent suggestions for accessories.

As a relative newbie Ill add my $0.02:

Garmin 305 with HR and cadence - I really like it and Zero issues. The 500 is also excellent.
Bib Shorts - way more comfortable
Properly Sized/Fitted Seat - get a seat fitting from a Specialized dealer. There is nothing better than a properly sized saddle.

And finally - Get a Interactive RoadID bracelet or something similar. In the event something bad happens all of your pertinent information can be accessable to emergency personnel including medical information and emergency contacts. I hope nobody ever has to use it for me but just in case....

dag1369

I have looked these up but am unclear about what they do???

JokerSeven

I have had good luck with the Cateye Strada double wireless. If you look around, you can find them for about $70 shipped.

rouleour

I just finished reading your thread, I guess I jumped the gun!... and good luck with your new bike!